The Calling of Saint Matthew

Definition

The Calling of Saint Matthew is a significant Baroque painting by Caravaggio that illustrates the biblical moment when Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple. This artwork showcases the Baroque style's dramatic use of light and shadow, also known as chiaroscuro, to enhance emotional intensity and narrative clarity. The scene is set in a dimly lit room where the figures are illuminated by a single light source, creating a powerful contrast that highlights both the divine intervention and human reactions to it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Caravaggio painted The Calling of Saint Matthew around 1599-1600 for the Contarelli Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome.
2. The painting depicts a group of tax collectors, with Matthew seated at a table counting money, when Jesus, represented by a figure with a halo, enters the scene to call him.
3. Matthew's facial expression shows surprise and contemplation, highlighting the moment of personal transformation and divine calling.
4. This work exemplifies Caravaggio's innovative approach to realism by depicting common people in biblical narratives, breaking away from idealized representations.
5. The dramatic lighting in the painting not only directs attention to Matthew but also enhances the spiritual significance of the calling through its contrast with surrounding darkness.

Review Questions

• How does Caravaggio's use of chiaroscuro in The Calling of Saint Matthew contribute to the overall emotional impact of the painting?
  • Caravaggio’s use of chiaroscuro in The Calling of Saint Matthew creates a striking visual contrast between light and shadow that amplifies the emotional intensity of the scene. The single light source illuminates Matthew and Jesus while leaving the surrounding figures shrouded in darkness, drawing viewers' attention directly to the moment of calling. This technique not only enhances the drama but also symbolizes divine intervention, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Matthew's transformation.
• Discuss how The Calling of Saint Matthew reflects key characteristics of Baroque art, particularly in its composition and themes.
  • The Calling of Saint Matthew embodies key characteristics of Baroque art through its dramatic composition and thematic focus on human emotion and spirituality. The dynamic arrangement of figures, along with Caravaggio's realistic portrayal of everyday life within a sacred narrative, showcases the Baroque fascination with intense moments of action. Additionally, the use of dramatic lighting emphasizes not only the physical space but also underscores themes such as faith, redemption, and divine grace that are central to Baroque art.
• Evaluate how The Calling of Saint Matthew fits into Caravaggio's broader body of work and its influence on later artists during the Baroque period.
  • The Calling of Saint Matthew fits seamlessly into Caravaggio's broader body of work by demonstrating his commitment to realism and emotional depth in religious narratives. This painting exemplifies his unique approach to incorporating ordinary individuals into biblical stories, thereby making spirituality accessible and relatable. Its influence on later artists during the Baroque period is evident as many adopted similar techniques, such as tenebrism and realistic portrayals of figures, which became hallmark features of Baroque art that emphasized emotional engagement with viewers.

Related terms

Chiaroscuro: A technique employed in painting that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume and depth.

Tenebrism:

An artistic style characterized by the use of pronounced chiaroscuro, where the darkness dominates the scene and is often used to heighten drama.

Baroque:

An artistic period from the late 16th century to the early 18th century known for its grandeur, emotional intensity, and dynamic compositions.